First Generation Students

Helping the Class of 2022’s first-generation community early on

During New Student Orientation, first-generation, high-need students find an increased level of support, community and resources to help the transition into campus life.

“Good Morning America,” ABC News

Student debt crisis: This 28-year-old mom is ‘drowning’ in $80,000 of debt

Penn’s loan-free, grant-based financial aid program was highlighted in a discussion of the burden of student debt. President Amy Gutmann was cited as a first-generation college graduate.

Academic ‘boot camp’

A group of 13 active-duty service members and veterans took part in the Warrior-Scholar Project, which introduces enlisted personnel toward an undergraduate program at a top-tier institution with a weeklong academic program.

On the ground in Washington, D.C.

Rising junior Louis Lin is pursuing his interest in policy making via an International Leadership Foundation Fellowship and an internship with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Penn First Plus expands programs and support for first-generation students

A preview of new initiatives for the community of first-generation, low-income students to provide more support to help them thrive and succeed at Penn.

Two new Truman Scholars for Penn

Anea Moore and Stephen Damianos are two of the 59 recipients of the merit-based Truman Award, which will assist them in pursuing careers in public service.

Picturing first generation

First-generation, low-income students take a moment to pose for the camera and share a few words about what their Ivy experience means to them, and the Penn community.

Singing the praises of progress for first-generation, low-income students

Kerry O’Neil knew that the University of Pennsylvania was the right place for her, despite its location 3,300 miles from her home in Glasgow, Scotland.

Christian Science Monitor

Ivy Degree – Now What? Low-Income Grads Struggle with Careers, Status

Low-income first-generation college students met at Penn in February for the fourth annual 1vyG conference, where President Amy Gutmann welcomed the scholars.

Candy Alfaro Welcomes First-Generation, Low-Income Students

Growing up in the small town of Soledad, Calif., college seemed like a far-off idea for Candy Alfaro. Now a junior, she credits her parents, Mexican-born farm workers, for her determination to be the first in her family to go to college.

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